Games industry contributes $1.6 billion to UK GDP

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UK games trade association TIGA has released new findings that show the UK games industry has grown to record levels in 2016.

It shows that the amount of investment in the sector has grown to £562 million from £503 million, and that the industry is now contributing nearly £1.25 billion ($.16 billion) to the country's GDP.

The number of employees in full-time roles at development studios has risen to 11,893, a 7.5% increase over last year, and the number of jobs indirectly supported by the industry has risen to 21,744.

Record levels

"The UK video games development sector is strengthening, succeeding and soaring to new heights. Employment and investment in the sector surged to record levels in 2016 and the industry’s contribution to GDP reached an all-time high of £1.25 billion," said TIGA CEO Dr Richard Wilson.

"The games market is buoyant, with new opportunities continuing to arise in mobile, PC gaming, console and VR and AR, which have combined to stimulate investment and job creation."